Lightning Returns Discussed: Glory Points, Spells and Equipment

Final Fantasy has long been one of the top JRPG series of all-time. Though the franchise has had its ups and downs, the fanfare surrounding it only seems to grow as more time passes.

Square Enix Game Director Yuji Abe recently spoke with Dengeki Online about the upcoming Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13. A number of topics were discussed, but the most major change that gamers will be seeing in Lightning Returns will be coming in the form of spells and how they are used. Abe specifically brings up the spell "Cure" as an example:

"In this game, Cure isn't a a regular ability, but part of the GP effects," says Abe. "It will require the use of GP in order to heal yourself."

GP stands for Glory Points, which work a little bit differently than their counterparts, MP (Magic Points). They are harder to acquire and aren't easy to refill. Abe expanded on this idea, discussing how the spell "Raise" would work in conjunction with the changes:

“It will also include Raise, which is used whenever you get knocked out,” Abe continues. “So, this time around, in order to heal yourself, you’ll either have to use GP or items such as potions. There will be different situations where you might have to consider saving your GP for stopping time instead of healing.”

While GP might sound a bit intimidating, Abe notes that you'll be able to garner more of these points by fighting enemies. You can achieve GP at the end of any battle, so – in essence – you can travel the world fighting opponents and heal yourself the whole time. It sounds a bit counterintuitive, but we're sure that Square Enix can make it work.

Abe closes on a statement regarding the Lightning Returns' equipment system:

 “This time around, weapons and equipment will be a crucial element, so we are currently adjusting their parameters and values. We’re thinking about topics such as how to make players purchase and change [weapons and equipment] more frequently, and about the balance of abilities, which we’re constantly adjusting. We’ve been going back and forth in order to not have things appear too boring or too flashy. We’re doing our best to adjust it so it can correspond to various play styles, so please look forward to it.”